By David Cohen
The department of job searching and networking via Facebook and LinkedIn received another résumé Monday with the beta launch of Goalee.Goalee mines data from users’ profiles on Facebook and LinkedIn and determines potential networking opportunities based on shared interests and professional history. Once a potential match is found, the two users can communicate within Goalee, or add each other to their Facebook friend lists and LinkedIn networks.Goalee said users can take advantage of free-form language on its open platform, offering as example queries:
- I want to join an after-work lacrosse league made up of people in the finance industry.
- I’m looking for an analyst position.
Users who register for Goalee by July 31 will receive access to the platform for one year at no cost, after which basic access will remain free of charge and premium access will cost $7.50 per year. Goalee added that it is teaming up with universities across the U.S. to provide their business school students and alumni with unlimited premium access.Co-Founder James Brown said:We believe the old adage, “It’s who you know,” is as valid as ever. Goalee provides a more effective way to discover and connect with people you never knew you needed to know. A cross between LinkedIn and eHarmony, we match people to people — not to friends of friends, job openings, or similar resumes. A lot of us don’t know whom to contact when networking or what to say when approaching someone cold — whether it’s for social or professional reasons. Goalee acts as a networking coach. It not only suggests new connections in order to achieve your goals, but also helps you know what to say when you reach out to those people.Readers: Would you incorporate a service like Goalee into your job search or networking agenda?What is Goalee? from Goalee on Vimeo.